Jersey Sea Cadets are recruiting adult volunteers to provide more trained resources to welcome both old and new Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets to their exciting new headquarters launching in 2021.
With a new Commanding Officer coming on board this year, the Sea Cadets are harnessing their heritage through the current dedicated leadership team whilst future-proofing this outstanding organisation to continue to be able to provide life skills & experiences for our future generations.
“I feel honoured and delighted to be taking over the helm of such a great cadet unit with an immense amount of potential and long successful history in the Island,” explained Lt David Thompson.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to steer the Jersey unit on a continued positive course with the aim of growing the number of adult volunteers and cadets, whilst raising the units profile and ensuring the Jersey unit goes from strength to strength. I must thank Lieutenant Andre Bonjour and the team for their wisdom, passion and tenacity and very much look forward to adding to this formidable crew going forward.”
A Sea Cadet from the age of 12, David joined the Royal Naval Reserve at 18 whilst training as an Operating Department Practitioner, continuing with the NHS he extended his training to become a specialist practitioner in Anaesthetics. By the age of 30 he was employed as the Anaesthetic Service manager in Cambridge with some time spent working with the Military Surgical Unit Frimley Park Hospital & Sick Bay at HMS Heron.
Alongside his full time occupation he was retained as a firefighter (Crew Commander) for 10 years and voluntary for 13 years. Leaving the NHS in 2003 moving into the medical technology world as a clinical specialist followed by R&D/marketing and eventually Business and Marketing Director for Venner International Ltd, a healthcare company based in Jersey.
David looks forward to using all his skills and passion for the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets for the benefit of local students and volunteers alike. Married to Claire with 4 children (3 sons and a daughter), currently studying for a masters in leadership and management, the family have made their home in Jersey.
“Jersey Sea Cadet and Royal Marines Cadets have an impressive alumni who we are keen to re-engage with”, continued Lt Thompson, “we are also looking to recruit new adult volunteers to strengthen our ability to provide local students with a cornucopia of skills increasing their confidence to achieve their dreams in an energetic, fun, safe environment.”
“We are excited to welcome Lt Thompson to the crew”, commented Lieutenant Andre Bonjour, current Commanding Officer, Sea Cadets. “His impressive background, passion for teaching and all things outdoors make him the perfect fit for this important role. With Lt Thompson and our new Unit HQ launching, this is a very exciting time to join this inspirational organisation and we look forward to continuing our Sea Cadet and Royal Marines Cadet journey with his experienced pair of hands at the helm.”
If getting out into our amazing local environment, inspiring and mentoring the next generation ‘floats your boat’, then click here for more information.
Are you at a Loose end?
Volunteering with the Jersey Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets is a great opportunity to both give something back to our community and also develop your skills in any number of specialist areas alongside leadership and management. Develop existing skills or learn new ones all kit and qualifications provided for free! From sailing to flying, shooting to catering, you name it, the Sea Cadets probably do it and you could too! No is experience necessary because training is provided, which in the main, results in recognised qualifications helping you and your employer.
As well as instructors we need support personnel such as stores accountants (managing our clothing and equipment stores, running the accounting and ordering system). We are also looking for trustees to manage our direction and hold us to account.
There is something for everyone who is at a loose end! So click here for more information to get on board today!
